Most of you on here want to lower your car, put on different rims/tires and all that. I'm out of that phase, and dump all my money into a drag car (79 Camaro).

BUT, I want to make the ride in my MAX more comfortable for me and the fam. It rides like a go-kart compared to my girlfriend's 96 Avalon...it's like riding on air.

What's a simple, cost-effective solution to get a SOFTER, more CUSHIONING ride from my max?

I know nothing, even after reading many threads here, about what will make it take bumps,potholes, and uneven road better.

I will keep my stock rims and stock sized tires.

THANKS!

 

There are no springs softer than GXE/GLE springs. If you have an SE then just trade/buy a set from the for sale forums. Someone will be eager to get rid of them. Use that with Tokico HP/blues, maybe a set of SubFrame Connectors and your max will definitely ride smoothly.

 

Agreed. Depending on the milage make sure the strut mounts and/or shocks themselves are in good shape. Maybe buy 55 series tires rated good for ride quality.

 

I'd say gle springs, and replace the mount, and all pieces connected to the strut assembly. Should prove a very smooth ride as those part could be why the ride is so rough.

 

Well, I have a GXE..aren't they the same springs as the GLE?

Should I bother replacing the springs? I cant imagine they go bad, other than breaking.

Tokico HP BLues would provide me the best ride you think? how much am I looking at for 4? whya re they better compared to OEM (arent OEM tokico?)

Mdeezy :What other parts "connected to the strut assembly" are you referring to?

From what I see, I'm looking at a minimum of 500 JUST for the Tokico's!Why so much?LOL. Would KYB GR-2's be a hiuge difference? (ie worse, or stiffer). Theyre only 60 each.

 

Gr-2 are really soft

 

^ you have a pay a price for comfort and a price for performance. Most of the they are the same prices. Here is the good old saying " you get what you pay for"

 

OKAY....

SO After looking more into it, the Tokico HP's seem to be a "softer" ride than the GR-2's, correct?

I also found them for 310 shipped on EBAY.

If I get those, SHOULD I replace the strut mounts while I'm at it? Bearings? (I'm not even sure which ones have bearings). Is there a certian strut mount i NEED to get with the Tokicos? I'v heard some people have alignment probs with KYB's without getting the KYB strut mounts.

I appreciate all of your input. I jsut want to make sure I cover everything and get 'er done right!

 

I know I'm impatient, but the thought of a smoooooothe ride sounds very appealing and i want to get on it.

Bottom line: Im getting the Tokico Blues all the way around. Are they a "softer" ride than OEM?

ALSO, do I need mounts for all4 ? SHOULD I do them while doing the work anyway? Do I need special mounts? How much should I pay for 4 mounts. Are generics ok?

Thanks

 

Also, I'm not sure if MDeezy was hinting at this but I am sure a great deal of ride quality can be picked up in replacing your bushings.

It would only make sense that if the stock bushings have hardened and dried out over time that replacing them will allow the suspension to work at it's best.

Do I30's use the same springs as GLE's? Not sure on this one . . .

Not sure on the tires you are running but throwing some more meat on the sidewall can help absorb alot of road imperfections.

GO WILD!

 

You don't want a softer ride than oem. It will feel like crap and float all over the place. You could put some pos monroe shocks on that are soft as hell. But you will hate it. It will be like riding on blown shocks

 

Thanks for the input.

As far as bushings go....do I need anything SPECIAL? Or just whatever the AUTOZONE computer spits out? Im assuming there's bearings in all 4 corners?

 

now that confuses me more. I guess by soft, I mean the best ABSORBING qualities. Not bouncin around like I'm on a slow-mo mechanical bull...lol

Right now, I feel every imperfection in the road, and want to avoid that. I sometimes even CRINGE when approaching a bump in the road I can avoid.

In my old lady's Avalon, you cant even feel the same bump...

 

I would imagine OEM Nissan or equivalent.

 

Why don't you check out the OEM parts for the Avalon?

What are the stock struts? spring rates? Tire size? Brand?

 

What wheels/tires you running? Try some stock steelies in 15" size. And run some stocked sized all season tires or something.

 

great idea! the OEM struts are GR-2's...not sure of springs tho....i'll ask again....are the gr2's softer or stiffer than tokico?

So are those the only things that I can change to make it feel "the same" ? Springs (i'll stick with stock), struts, and tires?

 

i am running stock rims/stock sized tires...

 

From the factory the maxima's suspension is more firm than those boaty toyotas. You're asking the maxima to do something it can't. I suggest leaving the stock suspenstion on there and getting sub-frame connectors like has already been mentioned.

 

Get taller tires(more sidewall)

 

Yea that is what I was getting at. I had a link to a sight with all the various parts associated with the strut assembly, the mounts, rubber stuff. . . let me see if I can find the link

 

why not airbags? That is literally riding on air.

 

dunno where to find airbags my friend. how much do they cost, and will they make it feel like an AVALON? LOL


I think all-in-all, I really need some struts. 75 k miles, and I think they're a big part of the problem.

I narrowedit to either the GR-2's, or Tokico Blues. WHICH WILL MAKE IT MORE LIKE THE 'BOAT' OF AN AVALON I DRIVE ON OCCASION?

thanks guys

 

buy mine..........................

 

Isn't that what we are all doing ... unless we have 4 flats ...

 

They are the only things touching the road my friend.

 

indeed.but HUGE sidewalls and sticks as struts ain't gonna feel good. or HUGE sidewalls and blown struts (dunno if mine are blown, worn, or whatever.don't know how to check)

 

have you ever been in a crown victoria? now THAT's a cushy ride.

 

fed - let me know what you end up with and how you like it. I am searching for the same set up as you. of course I have an SE, which has stiffer struts and rear springs off the lot than your GXE.

 

that's what I'm LOOKIN FOR!!!!!!! Crown Vic/Grand Marquis status....

 

You bought the wrong car then... reminds of those threads where people want to convert to automatic from 5MT ...

 

Tokico rides better than KYB. Replacing your bushings wouldn't be a bad idea. Look into subframe connectors.

 

i'd do it if it made my car faster.

 

I have gr2 shocks in the front they probably aren't what you are looking for...whatever you do try reducing your tire pressure it might help a little?

 

Depends on the mods but I'm sure you already knew that.

 

maybe i did.

or MAYBE i have some bad struts in there....lol.

the MAX is Nissan's flagship model,and I ASSumed it'd ride smooth like other "flagship" luxury models

I never noticed that it DIDNT until I drove my GF's Avalon recently.

If you're just a family guy,and not worried about rice, a smooth ride is very much appreciated. This thing rides like my 96 Bonneville did sitting on low profile 18's.

 

heh, funny u mentioned it. i increased my pressure a few months back to help eliminate a VERY annoying shimmy at higher speeds (70+). It pretty much eliminated it, but perhaps I sacrificed some ride quality

 

tokico illuminas, set to 1. Keep the gxe rear springs and try the 5 speed fronts if you have an auto. they have thinner diameter coils than the auto springs.

 

remove the anti-roll bar?

 

The Blues ride absolutely awsome on the stock suspension, springs, wheel & tires.
Put on a set of all season touring radials and you'll be as smooth as any Maxima can get.
GR-2's are much firmer then stock, stay away from KYB products if you looking for a nice cushy ride.